“Etiological spectrum of empyema thoracis in children at tertiary care centre”.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To find out etiological spectrum of empyema thoracis in children presenting in a tertiary care center.
2. To see relationship of etiology with age and duration of fever.

STUDY DESIGN:  Cross sectional study

SETTINGS AND DURATION:

The study took place from September 15, 2020, to March 15, 2022 at The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health in Lahore, Pakistan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Total 335 patients who met the criteria for participation were enrolled. After getting a detailed history and a full clinical examination, tests like a blood culture and sensitivity, chest X-ray, chest ultrasonography, and a pleural tap were done. Antibiotics were given, and a chest tube was put in if it was necessary.

RESULTS:

About 35.22 percent (118) of the 335 cases were between 2 months and 5 years old, and 64.78 percent (217) were between 6 and 14 years old. Empyema thoracis in children was caused by bacteria in 61.49 percent (n=206) of cases, chest surgery in 23.28 percent (n=78) of cases, chest trauma in 11.64 percent (n=39) of cases, and tuberculosis in 1.49 percent (n=5) of cases.

CONCLUSION: We came to the conclusion that bacterial infection is the main cause of empyema thoracis in children, followed by chest surgery and chest trauma.

KEY WORDS:  Empyema thoracis, bacterial infection, Chest tube